No. It isn't.

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right. –Abraham Lincoln


It was God’s will. Those words, often spoken in the face of incomprehensible tragedy, can be real showstoppers. The well-intentioned speaker is (usually) attempting to explain the unexplainable, but their words fall far short of bringing much comfort. (And as a side point-- why do we never explain the good things in our lives as “God’s will”?)

In 1998, when a young man named Matthew Shepard was beaten, tortured and left to die, some said it was “God’s will” because gays needed to be taught a lesson.

Two years ago, when Hurricane Sandy ravaged our coastline, causing massive destruction and the loss of many lives, some said it was “God’s will” because America needed to be taught a lesson.

In 2001, when fanatical terrorists flew jet planes into the Twin Towers, some said it was “God’s will” because we all needed to be taught a lesson.

Wrong, wrong and wrong. I do not pretend to have an inside track to understanding the way God works in and through tragic and horrible events. But while I may not understand God’s will in all things, I do believe I can see God’s desire for God’s children in all things. And God’s desire is simply this:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor—black, white or gay, Muslim, Christian, or atheist—in the same way you love yourself. Period.


Monday During your quiet time today, pray for a teachable spirit. Remind yourself that God alone is God. Exodus 34:6

Tuesday Do you know someone who needs a ride to the polls, or help with a young child as they vote? This is a good way to love your neighbor. John 13:34-35

Wednesday Think for a moment: How many of your neighbors do you know? How many do you know well? Pray for opportunity for conversations. Matthew 19:20-22

Thursday Do you know someone who has experienced loss-- of a job, property or a loved one? Offer prayer. Consider making a phone call to check in. Matthew 20:20-28

Friday As the seasons change, spend some time outdoors simply appreciating the beauty and resiliency of God’s creation. Give thanks. Psalm 27:4

Saturday As you spend time today praying for yourself, ponder how you feel about “not knowing.” Pray, again, for a teachable spirit. Isaiah 11:1-9

Sunday As part of the life of this church, pray today for the future of your church and its leaders; celebrate the saints who have brought us this far. Philippians 3:13-14


The world sees in our conduct, in our behaviour, the proof that we are the real children of God.        –Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria

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